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Dialing it Back

May 15, 2017 by Mr. 1500 Days 49 Comments

Ask the Readers returns next week. I need to dial it back, just for a moment…

Above all, post-life work has been stupendous. It took me about 2 milliseconds to forget about my job. Formal work ended 31 days ago, but it feels like years. (Mrs. 1500 note: I told you!)

I didn’t sit back and rest for even a moment. On the weekend after I left my job, I joined older daughter for a sleepover at Denver Museum or Nature and Science:

Camping out in front of a wild turkey exhibit

I then went to Wisconsin to see Jim Collins and The Wealthy Accountant. I also checked out an Acura NSX that happened to be close:

Southwest!
A view from the Collins Compound
The Wealthy Accountant and Mr. Collins
Frugalsaurus and Spendosaurus partake
Fine Japanese engineering

 

The following weekend, Mrs. 1500 and I flew to Florida to watch the Berkshire conference with the Penny Planters and Mr. Income Surfer:

Watching the Berkshire meeting! Do as Warren and Charlie do…
Gratuitous sunset pic
Mrs. 1500 investigates Mr. PoP’s fast car

 

Fort Lauderdale Beach

 

I couldn’t stop thinking about Mr. PoP’s NSX, so I flew back to Wisconsin to look at the black one again. I decided to buy it and drive it back to Colorado. The story of the car deserves its own post, so I’ll save it for another day. I will divulge that the drive back was mostly uneventful (mechanical perfection, inquisitive folks at gas stations and only one encounter with law enforcement):

 

The day after I got back into town, I met up with friends for hiking in Boulder and a concert at Red Rocks:

Nicholas Murphy (aka Chet Faker)

Bonobo

I’m tired.

Life is great, but I’ve overbooked myself. I hate having no downtime. I go crazy if I don’t have time to sit back and just think.

It’s time to dial it back. I need to step away, but not for long.

Does anyone want to write a gratitude guest post for Friday?

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Filed Under: Something Completely Different Tagged With: dialing it back

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mustard Seed Money says

    May 15, 2017 at 4:23 am

    Congrats on the NSX!!! You are going to love the car. I had a co-worker that bought one in the early 2000s and he loved it. I rode in the car a couple of times and it was an amazing car!!! Sounds like you made an awesome purchase and are really enjoying retirement 🙂
    Mustard Seed Money recently posted…Ugly House versus Fixer UpperMy Profile

    Reply
    • Mr. 1500 Days says

      May 16, 2017 at 6:01 am

      Thanks MSM!

      Reply
  2. Team CF says

    May 15, 2017 at 4:59 am

    He bought it! Awesome! Darn, now I have to start looking for flight tickets to Denver 🙂 Very happy for you, enjoy the heck out of your new depreciating asset.
    As to the rest of the post with pretty and delicious pictures, glad to see you are enjoying yourself. Maybe you need a brake on an island with white sandy beaches?
    Team CF recently posted…April 2017 Cheesy IndexMy Profile

    Reply
  3. My Sons Father says

    May 15, 2017 at 5:43 am

    Buying an NSX!!! I thought all you early retirement guys had to live a life of deprivation. Don’t worry, I won’t tell the Retirement Police. It looks amazing, congrats!

    Reply
    • Mr. 1500 Days says

      May 16, 2017 at 6:02 am

      Ha ha, I’ve been thinking about this for 25 years. This will be the one and only time I go off the rails. And if I don’t like it, I should be able to get my money out of it in a couple years…

      Reply
  4. Financial Samurai says

    May 15, 2017 at 6:05 am

    I got to say I love the rims on your black NSX! It looks so sweet. You’ll have to tell us how much you paid.

    Don’t tell your sister!!

    Reply
    • Mr. 1500 Days says

      May 16, 2017 at 6:30 am

      Post soon!

      Reply
  5. Jeff from Jersey says

    May 15, 2017 at 6:07 am

    Congrats on the NSX acquisition…what was the first song you played on the sound system post ownership? Usually sets the tone for the life of the car with the owner.
    Thinking of you heading home after the car purchase, all I can think of is the parking attendants on their joyride of the Ferrari during Ferris Bueller with the Star Wars theme in the background.
    Don’t burn yourself out too much in retirement, you got a long way to go buddy.

    Reply
    • Mr. 1500 Days says

      May 16, 2017 at 6:32 am

      Hey Jeff, I think it was Flying High Again (Ozzy Osbourne)!

      Ferris Bueller, what a great movie!

      Reply
  6. FullTimeFinance says

    May 15, 2017 at 6:11 am

    Congrats on the NSX. I want pictures inside and out… I’ve ridden in one years ago owned by a friend from my car club. I’ve never driven one. It sounds like you’ve had a busy time of it.
    FullTimeFinance recently posted…What does the Personal in Personal Finance Mean?My Profile

    Reply
  7. MMP says

    May 15, 2017 at 6:21 am

    That was a quick month. Can’t wait to hear the NSX tail. Looks like it’s got some sweet rims too. 🙂
    MMP recently posted…Financial FreedomMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Owen @ PlanEasy says

    May 15, 2017 at 6:24 am

    Awesome month! That was a great read and I can’t wait for the moment I can make a similar post.

    Nice car by the way 🙂
    Owen @ PlanEasy recently posted…Confessions of a Reverse BudgeterMy Profile

    Reply
  9. Brian says

    May 15, 2017 at 6:28 am

    I’ve never had the pleasure of riding/driving an NSX. You bringing it to NY? Looking forward to hearing the details.

    Reply
    • Mr. 1500 Days says

      May 16, 2017 at 6:33 am

      Ha, no NSX in NY…

      Reply
  10. Duncan's Dividends says

    May 15, 2017 at 6:35 am

    Awesome you finally got your dream car! Can’t wait to hear how there was only one little incident with law enforcement. I’m like you where overbooking happens and I love to have some down time to just refresh. Enjoy stepping away for a little bit to recharge 🙂

    Reply
  11. Mrs. Picky Pincher says

    May 15, 2017 at 6:57 am

    Hey, congrats on finding your dream car! Can’t wait to hear about the drive down. 🙂 I’m so happy to see all of your post-retirement adventures! I think early retirement folks end up busier than they were previously, thanks to not having to clock into a job every day. 🙂
    Mrs. Picky Pincher recently posted…What a Frugal Weekend!My Profile

    Reply
  12. Old School says

    May 15, 2017 at 7:16 am

    Got a name for the car yet?

    Reply
    • Mr. 1500 Days says

      May 16, 2017 at 6:34 am

      Asterisk

      Reply
      • mr says

        May 16, 2017 at 7:15 am

        The one variable in your finances? Something denoting a footnote to the main story of FI? A multiplier of your happiness? A variable until you find a name?

        Reply
        • Mr. 1500 Days says

          May 16, 2017 at 8:38 am

          I’m a frugal* guy.

          Reply
  13. Fervent Finance says

    May 15, 2017 at 7:20 am

    It does sound like you’ve had quite the packed agenda. Congrats on the car. No shame in slowing down either.
    Fervent Finance recently posted…To Buy or Not to BuyMy Profile

    Reply
  14. Kyle says

    May 15, 2017 at 7:50 am

    I could attempt a guest post some time, I’d need to think of a topic and more time though. Was that NSX in Oconomowoc by chance? I’ve seen a couple in that area.

    I’m jealous of your post-work life, looks like you’ve been having a blast. I went to Dark Lord day Saturday, 10,000 people at 3 Floyds. We’ll have to enjoy a Dark Lord beer someday. We’ll see if I make it out to the Great American Beer festival this year.
    Kyle recently posted…StagnationMy Profile

    Reply
    • Mr. 1500 Days says

      May 16, 2017 at 6:35 am

      Whoah, you went to Dark Lord day? Holy cow. How was the beer?

      Car was near Appleton…

      Reply
  15. Jim @ Route To Retire says

    May 15, 2017 at 8:24 am

    Wow, that sounds like a fantastic month! And nice job on the new car!

    That seems to be the MO of early retirees – trying to cram everything in at once before needing to stop for a breather. Looks like you’re having a great time – enjoy!!

    — Jim
    Jim @ Route To Retire recently posted…The Secret Ingredient to Making Money With Real Estate RentalsMy Profile

    Reply
  16. Mrs. BITA says

    May 15, 2017 at 9:02 am

    I lack the car gene, but even I can tell that that is one sexy beast of a car. Well done.

    You’ve certainly started off your retirement with a bang. Enjoy the breather.
    Mrs. BITA recently posted…What Will You Leave Behind?My Profile

    Reply
  17. Mr. Tako says

    May 15, 2017 at 9:25 am

    Congrats on the NSX!

    Seems like you’ve been pushing yourself really hard since you left work. What’s the rush? No sense exhausting yourself!

    ER’s a marathon, not a sprint! Take time to smell the flowers!
    Mr. Tako recently posted…The Frugal Mother’s Day SpecialMy Profile

    Reply
  18. Joe says

    May 15, 2017 at 10:01 am

    Yeah, dial it back a bit man. You’re making me look bad. 🙂
    You’ve got a lot of years left in ER.
    Looks like you’re having a great time. Enjoy!

    Reply
  19. Lucas says

    May 15, 2017 at 10:57 am

    Sounds like a fun month, but yeah, maybe a bit too busy for my taste! Sounds like you came right through my area as we are just west of Appleton WI 🙂

    Reply
  20. ESI Money says

    May 15, 2017 at 2:15 pm

    Awesome!!!!! Time to drive that car down here to CS!!!!!

    I can always whip out a post or two on a couple day’s notice if you need me to. 😉

    BTW, have to agree with your wife on the issue of coffee. I see an intervention happening at FinCon.
    ESI Money recently posted…Millionaire Interview 9My Profile

    Reply
    • Mr. 1500 Days says

      May 16, 2017 at 6:37 am

      Ha ha, going up Pikes Peak would be fun…

      Reply
  21. Tawcan says

    May 15, 2017 at 2:22 pm

    Sounds like you have been very busy. Good for you? Are you coming to FinCon? If so can’t wait to meet you finally in person. Gratitude post? What do you have in mind?

    Reply
    • Mr. 1500 Days says

      May 16, 2017 at 6:37 am

      Yes, I’ll be at FinCon! Hit me up over email if you’d like to write a Guest Gratitude Post!

      Reply
  22. Jeff D says

    May 15, 2017 at 2:27 pm

    Everybody wants to know about the car, meh. I want to know which of the fantastic New Glarus beers filled that glass?

    Reply
    • Mr. 1500 Days says

      May 16, 2017 at 6:38 am

      I think that was Spotted Cow. I prefer Moon Man, but we ran out…
      Mr. 1500 Days recently posted…Dialing it BackMy Profile

      Reply
  23. Financial Velociraptor says

    May 15, 2017 at 4:29 pm

    New Car!@

    Reply
  24. Mr. Need2save says

    May 15, 2017 at 6:18 pm

    And I thought I was splurging by buying a motorcycle. Nice NSX, I like it in black. I’m with you on needing downtime – sometimes you just need time to think.
    Mr. Need2save recently posted…3 LEGACY GIFTS FROM MY MOMMy Profile

    Reply
  25. Steve @ Think Save Retire says

    May 15, 2017 at 7:59 pm

    Dialing it back…I know exactly how you feel. Just too much *living* to do when you aren’t consumed with a full-time job.

    Congrats again, and enjoy. 🙂
    Steve @ Think Save Retire recently posted…After 1,000,000 blog hits, here’s what I learned about running a blogMy Profile

    Reply
  26. Thomas says

    May 16, 2017 at 5:52 am

    Finally, you got your NSX! Congratulations!

    I think you got one of the best cars ever built.

    In “Top Gear” magazine they had an article featuring both the new and the old one. I said to my wife, that I still prefer the style of the old one in comparison to the new hybrid car. I wish they would make a Frankenstein car with the old body and chassis and the new hybrid drive.

    Reply
  27. The Magic Bean Counter says

    May 16, 2017 at 6:22 am

    Sounds like you are having a blast in your ER. Congrats on finally getting your car. Enjoy!

    Reply
  28. Primal Prosperity says

    May 16, 2017 at 10:49 am

    Taking time to think is super important, especially in a modern culture that seems to be addicted to busyness. I’m taking a bit of a breather myself…. after all, we are human beings, not human doings. 🙂

    Reply
  29. Mr Crazy Kicks says

    May 16, 2017 at 1:13 pm

    The first few months out of work I felt like a hyper dog that just got let outside. I lost a bunch of weight going crazy with tons of activities and projects. Took me 6 months to finally settle down and slow my brain down. Now I might be getting too lazy 🙂

    Glad to hear your living it up, I think this sort of lifestyle is going to suit you just fine. Also sweet ride! Black is my color of choice 🙂 Do you give test drives ?

    Reply
    • Mr. 1500 Days says

      May 16, 2017 at 6:17 pm

      Ha, good analogy! I feel like a hyper dog on amphetamines. I hope I settle down soon.

      And yeah, test drives are welcome! Before the beer tasting.

      Reply
  30. High Income Parents says

    May 16, 2017 at 2:29 pm

    That NSX is definitely one of the cars I drooled over when checking out the auto magazines as a kid.
    Are you trying to get everyone to retire? If this is your first month, how are you gonna top that? Pace yourself. 🙂
    I’m anxiously awaiting the NSX post.

    Reply
    • Mr. 1500 Days says

      May 16, 2017 at 6:16 pm

      Ha ha, yeah I went off the deep end! Next up is a 12,000 square foot mansion and a yacht! On second thought, no. I’m fine with one little indulgence…

      Reply
  31. Physician on FIRE says

    May 16, 2017 at 8:29 pm

    Sweet ride, dude!

    I know this perfect spot up north where you can dial it way back. In fact, you almost have to dial back. There’s just not that much to do. But it might be just what the doctor ordered.

    Cheers!
    -PoF

    Reply
    • Mr. 1500 Days says

      May 17, 2017 at 8:36 am

      You have no idea how much I’m looking forward to it. And beer. And seeing you too of course.

      PS: Please tell me that the doctor isn’t ordering another prostate exam.

      Reply
      • Physician on FIRE says

        May 17, 2017 at 11:47 am

        I thought you were embracing the new digital age. Guess not.

        Reply
  32. Kevin @39months.com says

    May 17, 2017 at 9:31 am

    Great post and great pictures!

    I’m in the process of winding down as I close in on FI. I’ll be watching you closely as I start building towards my new life. Keep up the good posts and enjoy life.

    Reply
  33. Arrgo says

    May 21, 2017 at 7:59 am

    Really like the wheels and tires. (Sharp wheels and tires really make your car stand out and look great I think.) And I agree that its important to take a break and regroup a bit whether you are working or not.

    Reply

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Freedom!

My goal was to build a portfolio of $1,000,000 by February of 2017; 1500 days from the birth of this blog (January 1, 2013). And hey look, I’ve since retired!

Investments only (primary home excluded)
1/1/13 (The Start): $586,043
1/1/14 (1 Yr Later): $869,635
1/1/15 (2 Yrs Later): $987,351
1/1/16 (3 Yrs Later): $1,057,961
1/1/17 (4 Yrs Later): $1,257,128
1/1/18 (5 Yrs Later): $1,527,701
1/1/19 (6 Yrs Later): $1,549,440
1/1/20 (7 Yrs Later): $2,035,040*
1/1/21 (8 Yrs Later): $3,379,746**
1/1/22 (9 Yrs Later): $4,762,642
1/1/23 (10 Yrs Later): $3,112,821

2023: Investments only
1/1: $3,112,821

Overall
2023 investment gains: $0
Investment gains since 1/1/2013: $2,526,778
Net worth***: $3,342,821

* The big jump between 2019 and 2020 was partly because we bought another home, but kept the previous (much more expensive) one as a rental. We have since sold it.

** Tesla.

*** Includes our primary home equity in addition to our investment portfolio.

Finally, we still have about $290,000 in mortgage debt (which I love!). No regrets about the debts!

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